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Turn of the Century
Book by Brickman & Elice
Music & Lyrics by the greats of the 20th Century
Directed by Tommy Tune
Music Direction by Michael Biagi
Choreographed by Noah Racey
At the Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3800, www.goodmantheatre.org
Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7:30 pm
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Running time is 100 minutes without intermission
Through November 2, 2008
Tunefully sweet light weight musical a treat
“Turn of the Century,” now in its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, is a most delightfully sweet original musical. The concept and book, while not earth-shattering, contains a 21st Century plot not unlike those cute little plots of the MGM movie musicals. This premiere production has much going for it--- terrific lighting (by Natasha Kata) on the spectacular arc set adorned with a 36 foot LED screen used to communicate time and place. Dona Granata’s colorfully opulent costumes enhance the look of this romantic tour through the 20th Century American songbook. “Turn of the Century” is, indeed, a jukebox musical that features tunes from Broadway composers with some Prince, Paul Anka and Henry Mancini and others thrown in.
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We meet Billy Clark (Jeff Daniels), a cocktail cabaret pianist and Dixie Wilson (Rachel York), a torch-singing cabaret artist at a large scale New Year’s bash as 1999 turns into 2000. Y2K did have a profound effect on Clark & Wilson as they are catapulted into 1899 at the same apartment on New Year’s Eve. The ensemble is now dressed in traditional Victorian formal wear that has the men in white tie & tails and the women in full gowns. Billy hears Harry Van Deusen (Kevin Gudahl), the premier composer of the day sing one of his songs. Billy realizes that this time warp has given him and Dixie a fine opportunity since they both know many of the greatest tunes of the 20th Century. Since it is only 1900, these songs have not been written yet—so why not sing them and take credit for them?
Clark & Wilson have both chemistry and conflict in their relationship. But they agree to co-opt the American 20th Century songbook in order for both to become rich and famous. Billy knows the music and Dixie knows the words of hundreds of songs—how can they fail? This story line eventually wears thin but it does serve as a fresh and wildly imaginative premise for a jukebox musical. From Irving Berlin’s ‘Alexander's Ragtime Band’ and ‘Steppin’ Out with My Baby” nicely staged by director Tommy Tune and choreographed by Noah Racey, “Turn of the Century” delivers enough classic Broadway to get my toes-tapping. The show stoppers produce the finest moments in the show as we hear Irving Berlin at his finest. Amazingly, there is no energetic tap number presented.
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The rap on new musicals lies in the lack of a book (story). Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys) have constructed a clever premise that wilts when it turns into a fluffy romantic comedy reminiscent of the MGM movie musicals of the 1930-40’s after a promising opening. It seems that too much emphasis on the book pushed the songs into secondary importance. I would install more tunes and less predictable romantic storyline. The songs were so well staged—we beg for more.
Jeff Daniels, as Billy Clark, is a likable and capable actor but his singing is flat. He gives the show star power. Since Billy must sing and play piano, how about someone like Harry Connick, Jr.? Rachel York is an ideal Dixie Wilson—she has a velvet voice, good looks and acting chops. I also enjoyed Kevin Gudahl as the uptight composer Van Deusen. Gudahl rocks the house in a spirited showstopper. Young Matt Gold is a hoot as the boy Irving Berlin.
The real stars in “Turn of the Century’ are the outstanding ensemble performers. They sing, dance and move with elegance and panache. This show is light weight escapist fare that is highly entertaining and nostalgic. I’d install an intermission and extend the show with a rousing act ending tap number and I’d open act two with another spirited classic Broadway dance tune. After all, the 20th Century American song book is full of toe-tapers we’d love to revisit. As it plays now, “Turn of the Century” is a fine show but it could be a wonderful show with more song and dance. Tommy Tune does justice here—give him more songs to stage.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
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